Jade Necklace with Avian and Human Head Pendant Date Unknown

This jade necklace with an avian and human-headed pendant, of unknown origin, features labor-intensive techniques. The necklace consists of numerous beads, likely made from jade or a similar stone, each individually carved and drilled. Consider the sheer repetition of this task and the careful handwork required to achieve uniformity, which involved a significant amount of time and skill. The pendant, displaying a fusion of avian and human features, presents a complex carving achieved by a lapidary, which is a skilled stone cutter. The manipulation of this hard stone into a symbolic representation is also impressive, and speaks to an understanding of both material properties and iconographic meaning. Understanding the making of this necklace helps us appreciate the ingenuity, skill, and cultural values embedded within its creation, challenging a separation of art and craft.